How to Clean & Care for Your Prosthetic Eye — Daily, Weekly, Monthly Guide

Short answer: Most people keep a prosthetic eye in place for weeks at a time and simply rinse it in place daily. Remove and clean it thoroughly about once a week, give it a deeper protein-removal soak monthly, and see your ocularist for a professional polish every 6–12 months. Never use alcohol, household cleaners, or abrasive materials on medical-grade acrylic.

Daily Care

You usually do not need to remove your prosthesis every day — handling it too often can irritate the socket. For daily comfort:

  • Rinse in place with sterile saline or clean lukewarm water to clear away dust and mucus.
  • Use preservative-free lubricating drops if the surface feels dry — a smooth, well-lubricated prosthesis moves naturally and stays comfortable.
  • Wipe away discharge at the inner corner with a clean, damp lint-free cloth, moving gently toward the nose.

Wash your hands before touching your eye area, and keep your acrylic ocular prosthetic eye free of makeup buildup around the lash line.

Weekly Care — Remove and Clean

About once a week, remove the prosthesis to clean it fully:

  1. Wash your hands and work over a soft towel or a bowl of water so it cannot fall onto a hard surface.
  2. Remove the prosthesis with a clean suction cup or clean fingertip, using the technique your ocularist showed you.
  3. Clean it with mild, non-abrasive baby shampoo or the cleaner your ocularist recommends, then rinse thoroughly with saline or clean water.
  4. Inspect the surface for scratches, roughness, or deposits.
  5. Reinsert it, or store it in a clean, dry case with a little sterile saline. The SciMed ocular prosthetic eye ships with a sterilized storage case for exactly this.

Monthly — Protein Deposit Removal

Tears leave protein and lipid films that build up over weeks, causing a hazy surface, stringy discharge, or a gritty feel. Once a month, soak the removed prosthesis in a mild cleaning solution recommended by your ocularist, then rinse well. Do not scrub with anything abrasive — scratches trap more protein and cause irritation.

Socket and Skin Care

Healthy tissue keeps the prosthesis comfortable:

  • Clean the eyelids and lashes daily, just as you would the other eye.
  • Use lubricating drops to reduce friction against the socket lining.
  • Watch for redness, swelling, persistent discharge, or odor — these can signal irritation or infection and warrant a call to your ophthalmologist.

Do’s, Don’ts, and When to Seek Help

Do keep a spare prosthesis or shell on hand — many wearers keep a backup such as our hand-painted acrylic ocular prosthetic eye in case one is lost or being polished. Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, household cleaners, hot water, or paper towels on acrylic. See your ocularist promptly if you notice new discomfort, a change in fit, increased discharge, or a dull or scratched surface — and every 6–12 months for a professional polish that restores the smooth finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I remove my prosthetic eye?

For most people, once a week for a full clean is enough. Removing it daily is usually unnecessary and can irritate the socket.

Can I sleep with my prosthetic eye in?

Yes — most wearers keep it in overnight. Follow your ocularist’s specific guidance.

What should I never use to clean it?

Avoid alcohol, peroxide, household or abrasive cleaners, and hot water. Use saline, clean water, or a mild cleaner your ocularist recommends.

How often does a prosthetic eye need professional polishing?

Every 6–12 months. Polishing removes micro-scratches and surface deposits and keeps the prosthesis comfortable.

Shop Ocular Prosthetics

FDA-cleared, medical-grade acrylic, with free US shipping. Clinic Net-30 pricing on request.

This article is general care information, not medical advice. Follow the specific instructions from your ocularist and ophthalmologist, and contact them with any concerns about fit, comfort, or eye health.

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